Fact Or Fiction? (175)
Labor Day morning, September 2, Genie an I left from Albert Lea for our annual one-week stay at Arrowhead Lodge in the Big Horn Mountains above Sheridan, Wyoming. (We travel on Labor Day because there aren’t any road construction employees that day.) Our first time doing this was 1973 – thus this is our 40th anniversary.
The HHR Chevrolet pulled into Mitchell, S.D. to look at the new corn theme on the outside of the Corn Palace, for our first major stop. This year’s theme is “Celebrations” in honor of major U.S. holidays.
We were very fortunate to be helped at the County Fair Food Store in Mitchell by the most helpful and friendliest person in the Mitchell, S.D. area. Sue, you are great.
Our stop for the night was the Super 8 Motel in Wall, S.D. The evening meal at Wall Drug, plus saying, “Hi” to T. Rex in the Wall Drug back yard, is a must. According to a small sign, T. Rex eats every 12 minutes, completely devouring every 12th person – and the 11th person just left!
At the Super 8 we met four young ladies between the ages of one and eight from Sterling Heights, Mich. Moriah, Scarlet, Jane and Isabel could most certainly move to Minnesota and instantly qualify for our expression, “Minnesota Nice.” It may take their Mom, Dad, Grandma, Grandpa, and Grandpa’s brother a few days, but I’m sure they would also qualify.
Tuesday morning we were on our way, and, 815 miles from Albert Lea, we arrived at Arrowhead Lodge that evening.
After hugs and handshakes from Yuki, Karen, Clay, Chad and Richard, Richard checked us into our favorite Rustic Cabin #3.
Wednesday was a day of rest to let our bodies get used to the 7,700 ft. elevation. The change in elevation can do funny things, like potato chip type bags will swell and pop. I lost most of a tube of toothpaste, as when I opened it, it went everywhere but on my toothbrush!
We did a lot of sightseeing and observing of the area wildlife. Mule deer, moose, elk, Arkansans, and a questionable outfitter named “Al” were our favorite observings.
Rustic Cabin #15 had a banner across the front: “Mule Deer Capital of Arkansas.” Three of the four occupants were successful, as each one got a very nice buck mule deer with huge antlers. The fourth guy didn’t want to chance getting a deer so he didn’t buy a Wyoming license.
Their significant others figured each hunter spent about $1,000, with $40 paid instantly as interest and the balance of $40 monthly for the next 24 months. The Friendly Banker put the loan through as a stay-at-home loan, thus a tax deduction, even though the funds were spent on a three-day outing to Branson, Mo.
I’m sitting on the porch of Rustic Cabin #3 feeding the chipmunks, squirrels and mountain jays. A man comes walking by, spots my “Beaver Lake, Ellendale, Minnesota” T-shirt, and stops. He tells me the biggest fish he ever caught was a 10-pound northern at Beaver Lake. Small world – Jim Palmer, graduate of Albert Lea High School – isn’t it!!
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Bob is a retired AAL (Aid Association for Lutherans) agent, currently working on his master’s degree in Volunteering. His wife, Genie, is a retired RN, currently working on her doctor’s degree in Volunteering. They have two children, Deb in North Carolina, and Dan in Vermont. Bob says if you enjoy his column, let him know. If you don’t enjoy it, keep on reading, it can get worse. Words of wisdom: There is always room for God.
Once again, it is time for one of the two “must attend” local social events of the year. There will be hand shaking, back patting, a friendly “how are you?” along with “it’s good to see you.” All this will accompany a pleasant smile at the same time.
There will be old and young and in-between ages of males and females. All those attending are in the VIP classification — including you. Wayne Indrelie and I along with members of the Albert Lea American Legion will be there to greet the great you at the door.
You are such an important person that we will let you enter through a special door. You will even be just ahead of the person behind you.
This is an eating event, so get those taste buds ready. If you’re a light eater, fast for at least a day before attending. If you’re a heavy eater, fast for at least two days. A word to the wise, “be sure your undergarment has good elasticity.”
Wild rice, chili, potato and chicken noodle soups will be served. Key lime, chocolate, apple and pumpkin are some of the pie choices, along with vanilla ice cream. Norwegian juice (coffee), water and 1919 root beer for your beverage choice.
Live background music featuring local celebrities will be featured prior to your eating.
Ah yes, all for your presence, so come on down. Put on your eating shoes and boogie on over. The parking lot attendants are waiting for your vehicle.
Many of you know what I’m referring to, you just don’t know when. This year the soup and pie supper at Central Freeborn Lutheran Church (just north of Albert Lea) will be from 4-7 p.m. on Monday, September 30, 2013. Be one of the first 700 and you won’t have to worry about running out of food as we’re planning on 700-plus.
The net proceeds of the soup and pie supper will benefit the American Legion of Albert Lea (debt reduction) and senior resources of Albert Lea with supplemented funds by Thrivent Financial for Lutherans.
Please bring a non-perishable food item or two to help support the local food shelves.
If you’re unable to attend (you’re in the hospital or at a funeral, your own) a donation would be most appreciated.
Short Shorts: A. This is a food event with no counting of calories allowed. B. In attendance will be a lot of people whose word you can rely on, plus a few politicians whose word you can’t rely on.
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Bob is a retired AAL (Aid Association for Lutherans) agent, currently working on his master’s degree in Volunteering. His wife, Genie, is a retired RN, currently working on her doctor’s degree in Volunteering. They have two children, Deb in North Carolina, and Dan in Vermont. Bob says if you enjoy his column, let him know. If you don’t enjoy it, keep on reading, it can get worse. Words of wisdom: There is always room for God.
In getting ready for our annual trip to the Big Horn Mountains above Sheridan, Wyo. for a week’s stay at Arrowhead Lodge, Genie and I reminisced about all the great things we have seen on our travels. Following are just a few of the better ones (As you read this, we should be at Arrowhead Lodge.)
• A beautiful moonlit evening with huge silver dollar snowflakes coming down as we’re enjoying a Valentine’s Day evening meal at Sportsman’s Lodge on Lake of the Woods.
• Driving the car across the top of the Big Horn Mountains above Buffalo, Wyo., as we drive through clouds.
• Being in an earthquake in the Green Mountains of Vermont and seeing where the quake caused the highway to heave up.
• Seeing a fully-grown coyote jump up in the air and pounce on a mouse at the top of the mountain above Shell Falls, Wyo.
• Being inside the Igloo Bar and Restaurant, and fishing through the ice at the same time, on Lake of the Woods.
• Old Faithful erupting in Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming.
• A redwood tree so big that we drove our HHR car on the road right through the middle of it in Northern California.
• While in a small plane (on our way to teach vacation Bible school through Lutheran Association of Missionaries and Pilots (L.A.M.P.) in Canada), an adult bald eagle with very white feathers flying right alongside us, just below the wing of the airplane.
• A plump woodchuck sitting on top of a wooden fence post by the source of the Mississippi at Itasca, Minn.
• A double rainbow, just as we sat down to eat prior to dancing at the Cotillion Dance Club at the country club in Austin (Call us if you’re interested in joining).
• An ice heave that we heard coming (it sounded like a jet approaching), and then the ice heave as it went by, close to our fish house on Mille Lacs Lake.
• A newborn baby mule deer on a crisp April morning in the Big Horn Mountains – so new that steam was coming off the body as Mama Deer was licking her just-born baby.
• A bear board in the U.P. of Michigan that looked so real, we thought it was. Then it moved and we knew it was a live bear.
• In taking a picture of the full moon in the sky over Beaver Lake we could also see the full moon in the water. Yes, the picture showed the full moon in the sky and in the water.
• Drifting sand covering a miniature golf course on the outer banks of North Carolina. (They use a road grader with a big blade to move the sand off the road.)
Short Shorts:
A. To the exact date, a 50th Wedding Anniversary at Central Freeborn Lutheran Church. Whose? Genie and I invite you to attend Saturday, Sept. 28. From 2-5 p.m.
B. Monday, Sept. 30, the Area Social Event of the Year at Central Freeborn Lutheran Church, from 4-7 p.m. (Also known as Soup and Pie Supper.)
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Bob is a retired AAL (Aid Association for Lutherans) agent, currently working on his master’s degree in Volunteering. His wife, Genie, is a retired RN, currently working on her doctor’s degree in Volunteering. They have two children, Deb in North Carolina, and Dan in Vermont. Bob says if you enjoy his column, let him know. If you don’t enjoy it, keep on reading, it can get worse. Words of wisdom: There is always room for God.
The fairs are over for another summer. The Dog Days of summer are gone. Labor Day is a past holiday. Schools have started. Fall football is in full swing. Fall colors are just starting to show. Corn and beans are approaching harvest time. The fish are starting their feeding frenzy. All this can be summarized in one four-letter word: “Fall.” (To me, fall is the best time of the year.)
I got a bit carried away the other day in asking God to control certain things I was concerned about. At the end of my prayer, I heard a voice in my ear saying, “I’m in Promotions, not Management.”
Have you ever found yourself praying to God to control some trivial thing? (Like “Make the fish bite,” or “Let the Twins game be played cause I’m going,” or “Make it rain so I don’t have to water the flowers.”)
Yes, God, I got the message.
Married to a Registered Nurse has had many advantages over the years. TLC for bumps, bruises, and owies. Plain English to understand the medical terminology. A reminder of what to do and what not to do in regard to minor health situations. One of the great things has been “PRN” (pro re nata, which in Latin means “when necessary”). Genie uses “PRN” either speaking or on paper to me in regard to hugs. Does it work? Fact, is the answer!
Genie and I like to get in the car and go. We plan on doing this until either the health gives out or the money runs out.
Some of the interesting businesses we have seen in our travels are as follows: An implement dealer in Northern Minnesota with the name “Evergreen.” (Yes, they sell John Deere.) A funeral home in Minnesota with the business name “Cease.” A Cenex gas station in Dickenson, No. Dak. that will take your McDonald’s order from the gas pump and deliver the food to your car, and you pay one bill for the gas and food. A food operation in Medora, No. Dak. that serves steak prepared on a pitchfork. A Burger King in Utah that didn’t sell any Whoppers. A rancher in Wyoming that sold alfalfa bales about four inches long, two inches high, and two inches wide. (They were baled to be used as pet food.) Although not a business, a “Dead End” sign just before the entrance to a rural cemetery.
Short Shorts
A. To the exact date, a 50th wedding anniversary at Central Freeborn Lutheran Church. Whose? Genie and I invite you to attend Saturday, Sept. 28 between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m.
B. Monday, Sept. 30 – The Area Social Event of the Year at Central Freeborn Lutheran Church (also known as “Soup and Pie Supper”).
C. It took me 50 years to see Arlene and Virgil Thofson dance. Mission accomplished Aug. 31, 2013.
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Bob is a retired AAL (Aid Association for Lutherans) agent, currently working on his master’s degree in Volunteering. His wife, Genie, is a retired RN, currently working on her doctor’s degree in Volunteering. They have two children, Deb in North Carolina, and Dan in Vermont. Bob says if you enjoy his column, let him know. If you don’t enjoy it, keep on reading, it can get worse. Words of wisdom: There is always room for God.
As my Norwegian father used to say, “Yeenie, Yeenie, Yeenie, you are so busy in August, it must be your birthday month.” (He was right.)
Genie received many telephone calls, birthday presents and cards, plus in-person well wishes. She served birthday cake at the coffee hour in church and we sang “Happy Birthday” to her. She had a “Fair”-ly good time going to the Freeborn County Fair, the Steele County Fair (where we danced on the grass), and the Minnesota State Fair. She went out to breakfast at two different places, plus four different places for lunch in Albert Lea, and a dinner theater, plus the Hanson relatives’ birthday celebration at Olivia’s Restaurant in Owatonna for the evening meal. (Cheryl from Sacramento, Calif. attended and afterward we went to the Steele County Fair.) Olivia and staff made Genie feel like “Queen For the Occasion” as they brought her warm peach pie with French vanilla ice cream. Olivia is most certainly an expert at getting repeat business. (I did promise Olivia I’d mention our being there provided the experience was good. To which she replied, ”No problem.”)
One of the great birthday doings for Genie was going on a full bus to Lutheran Night at the Twins baseball game the day of her birthday, August 12. I think all the Lutheran powers, plus the Twins powers, decided to honor Genie by having Lutheran Night at the Twins on her birthday.
Gale Nelson also had a birthday on August 2, so we sang happy birthday to them on the bus. They both had their name and birthday greetings on the Twins scoreboard the fifth inning. They both had “Circle Me Bert” signs to hold up in their seats at the Twins game. Genie’s sign was “Circle Me Bert, It’s My Birthday, I’m Over the Speed Limit.” Gale’s sign was the same except for “Over” was “Under.” Sad to say, neither one was circled. (The Twins won.)
Drawings for eighteen prizes were held on the bus on the way to the game. Natalie Fell was drawn to help lead us in singing the National Anthem. (She can really belt out a tune.) Five-year-old Levi Griggs was drawn for a DQ Twins cap. (He wore it to bed that night and it has become part of his daily wearing apparel.) Spousal combinations drawn were Tonya and Joel Treptow, Gale and Lynn Nelson. Father-son combination drawn was LeRoy and Dennis Everhard. Barb First and bus driver Marilyn Matson were drawn for a 2013 Wins Yearbook each. Spencer Dahl was drawn for Twins miscellany to add to his collection.
Thanks to Laurel at Arby’s in Albert Lea for “Buy One – Get One” coupons for youth on the bus.
Thanks to Jamie, Hannah and Patty at DQ in Albert Lea for coupons for everyone on the bus.
Thanks to Guyla, Tricia and Terry at KFC in Albert Lea for a coupon designed like a Twins baseball for everyone on the bus.
If you have never paid $6 for a hot dog made in Albert Lea (Schweigert’s), paid $4.50 for a cup of soda pop, talked to Ginger or seen her play the organ, spun the wheel for a prize at Treasure Island Casino, sat behind Home Plate at the top of the stadium – in other words, been to a Twins baseball game …
Get with it! Go with us on the F.R.O.G. bus to Lutheran Night at the Twins next summer to experience the above. (There were 14 first-timers on the Twins F.R.O.G. bus this year.)
Next F.R.O.G. bus trip is to Christmas By The Lake on Saturday, Dec. 7 at Clear Lake, Ia.
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Bob is a retired AAL (Aid Association for Lutherans) agent, currently working on his master’s degree in Volunteering. His wife, Genie, is a retired RN, currently working on her doctor’s degree in Volunteering. They have two children, Deb in North Carolina, and Dan in Vermont. Bob says if you enjoy his column, let him know. If you don’t enjoy it, keep on reading, it can get worse. Words of wisdom: There is always room for God.
When I try to pull off an event honoring someone, it seems like the honoree finds out before the event. I guess I’m going to have to take lessons from Paul Proft of Owatonna.
Julie Proft, Paul’s boss both at home and away, retired from Wells Fargo Bank in Owatonna. In honor of her retirement Paul suggested the two of them do something special. The “something special” was the Dinner Theater at Chanhassen, Minn.
Unbeknown to Julie, Paul contacted their children, relatives and other friends and informed them of the plan. Julie and Paul walked into a room at Chanhassen where about 50 of us started singing “Happy Retirement.” The tears of happiness flowed not only from Julie but many of the attendees. We pulled it off – a complete surprise to Julie!
After an excellent meal we settled in to watch an entertaining musical, “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” as found in Genesis, the first book of the Old Testament, with a few variations. For example, the Pharaoh did a very good imitation of Elvis. Also, the dancers danced on the tables towards the end.
In summary, retirement parties don’t come any better than Julie’s.
We had two very tall trees cut down by Jim Amarosa and his helper Troy. They did an excellent job, even picked up all the small branches and swept the driveway plus the street.
A six foot high trunk of each tree was left standing until Genie can decide what to do with them. Until then, I’m putting a bathroom toilet stool on top of each one. One tree trunk will have letters running down it spelling “HIS” with the other trunk “HERS.”
I like to walk the paved trail in Albert Lea by the boat landing to Fountain Lake off Richway Drive. There are a number of signs on the trail telling the walker to choose civility.
For example:
“Greet those who you are sharing the trail with. Just say ‘Hi.’”
“Apologize earnestly.”
“Speak kindly.”
“Accept and give constructive criticism.”
“Ask someone new out to lunch.”
(That last one doesn’t work, as many times I’ve stopped by the sign and no free lunch! The net result so far is that I’ve taken four new people out to lunch, on me.)
According to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, this is the time of the year when bears start to get ready for hibernation.
As per the Albert Lea Tribune, 16 small bears showed up in connection with 16 various places in Albert Lea. The small bear, through Northbridge Mall, was placed in custody of Arlene Thofson. This little bear, named “Relay For Life,” is now living at the farmsite of Arlene and Virgil Thofson just north of Hartland, Minn. From talking to the little bear, it seems things are going quite well, especially learning and observing how to give a big Farmer’s Bear Hug like Virgil does.
I hope all you readers are aware of “Relay For Life” as backed by the American Cancer Society. Genie and I attended the lighting of the luminaries at the fairgrounds in Albert Lea. I estimate there were about 2,500 bags with a candle and when lit it was awesome. The lit spelling of “HOPE” in the grandstand was most impressive.
Thanks to Dr. George Lundstrom and staff for purchasing a luminary in my name.
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Bob is a retired AAL (Aid Association for Lutherans) agent, currently working on his master’s degree in Volunteering. His wife, Genie, is a retired RN, currently working on her doctor’s degree in Volunteering. They have two children, Deb in North Carolina, and Dan in Vermont. Bob says if you enjoy his column, let him know. If you don’t enjoy it, keep on reading, it can get worse. Words of wisdom: There is always room for God.
When you celebrate your wedding anniversary at Central Freeborn Lutheran Church, VIP attendees might come across the ocean to attend. Marlys and Tradasha Wittmer from Ipoh, Malaysia did just that. In the U.S. we refer to them as “missionaries,” but in Malaysia they are thought of as “tourists,” due to the religious thinking in Malaysia. As daughter and granddaughter, they came to celebrate the anniversary of Melvin and Harriet Wittmer.
Through the Senior Center of Albert Lea, Genie and I boarded a bus of 57 young-at-heart, seasoned-in-wisdom locals to Harriet Island on the mighty Mississippi River. We were served a help-yourself, all-you-can-eat buffet as we went down the river and back on a riverboat. (A senior group from Alexandria, Minn. joined us on the riverboat.) One of the waiters was so tall he had to be very careful of any ceiling objects. We were told he could only serve when the river was low, otherwise he would bump his head on the boat ceiling. Another case of “Fact or Fiction?”
From the riverboat we went to a docked showboat on the Mississippi, for a live performance of a musical entitled “Sweet Revenge.” Excellent show – we were all encouraged to boo the villain and cheer the hero!
Genie knows that after a big buffet meal I have a tough time staying awake. When we sit side by side, she just pokes me if I seem to drift off.
The seating arrangement created a problem, as Genie was on one side of the isle and I was on the other – too far apart to poke me.
This is where Genie’s “You don’t have a problem, you have an opportunity” thinking shines. We each have a cell phone with a different phone number. Genie has me put my cell phone on vibrate, and then put the phone inside my shoe, with my foot in the shoe. Did it work? Not only once but twice my foot vibrated when Genie called me!
Times are rapidly changing. The area garbage trucks now have cameras with which the driver can see what is coming out of your garbage can as the mechanical arm is dumping the contests into the garbage truck. Thee main reason is to check the contents to be sure you’re recycling. Major cities in New Jersey hire part-time people to random check garbage cans just ahead of the garbage truck to see if any recycle items are in the can. The first offense, and your can is given a black mark on the lid. The second offense, and your garbage is no longer picked up. Now you must find a means of disposing of your garbage. The real problem is that on garbage day, your neighbors notice no can – thus your peers dem you a “baddy.” (They tell me the system is working quite well.) Beaver Lake Park now has a recycling bin by the garbage dumpster. I wonder if there is a camera to see if only recycling material is going into the recycling bin.
Short Shorts:
A. “Looney Lutherans” was the best entertainment at the fair in Albert Lea.
B. If the Old Boathouse on the shore of Beaver Lake could talk – would it agree with the stories told at the historical meeting Saturday, August 3?
C. To the exact date, a 50th wedding anniversary at Central Freeborn Lutheran Church. Whose? Genie and I invite you to attend Saturday, Sept. 28.
D. Monday, Sept. 30th –– the Area Social Event of the Year at Central Freeborn Lutheran Church. (Also known as Soup and Pie Supper.)
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Bob is a retired AAL (Aid Association for Lutherans) agent, currently working on his master’s degree in Volunteering. His wife, Genie, is a retired RN, currently working on her doctor’s degree in Volunteering. They have two children, Deb in North Carolina, and Dan in Vermont. Bob says if you enjoy his column, let him know. If you don’t enjoy it, keep on reading, it can get worse. Words of wisdom: There is always room for God.
Guess where you can find Genie and me away from home at least twice between August 13 and August 18? If you guessed the Steele County Fair in Owatonna, you’re right.
You know we’ll be chowing down on all that good-to-the-taste (but not necessarily good for the body) fair food. We’ll try to reduce the potential harm to the body by exercising (dancing) to the entertainment in the Square on the Fairgrounds, Yes, dancing on the grass is do-able!!
You haven’t lived until you’ve gotten a surprise when you opened your mailbox. How about he surprise when you realized you weren’t showering alone? Have you looked real close to what is inside a drawer when you open it? Or worse yet, what’s inside your socks and underwear jut as you’re going to put them on?
The aforementioned are places where we have found a scary looking critter with pinchers known as an earwig. According to folklore they like to enter the human ear – thus the name earwig.
Even a Lutheran church can think outside the box. Moscow Lutheran Church needs roof repairs, and of course that costs money. The church members held an informal get-together a few years ago on how to handle such cash shortages. Long-time members Jack and Anita mentioned: “Feed them and they will come with money in hand.” Thus, once a year the church has a drive-in restaurant, with food brought to your car, or you can eat at outside tables or in the church basement. Genie and I attended the packed-house, leave-your-money event Sunday evening, June 21.
I had to have blood drawn at the Albert Lea Medical Center before any breakfast. We decided to go to Diana’s Cafe on South Broadway for breakfast afterwards.
Diana is way ahead of the emphasis on “Save a Tree By Recycling.” She takes your order with nothing written down. The great tasting food is delivered just as you ordered. No guest check – you go to the cash register and pay by cash or check. (No credit cards accepted.) With a big smile Diana thanks you. The only paper she wants to see is in payment plus tip on the table. When all is said and done, Diana has shown you how to save part of a tree!
According to the Albert Lea Tribune newspaper’s 2013 Reader’s Choice voting, Genie and I agreed with our peers on two of the businesses. What is really a tribute to the businesses is that they are not in Albert Lea where most of the readers live. That means the voter has to go out of their way to use the service of the business. Congratulations to Floors 4-U in Ellendale and Sorenson’s Appliance and TV in Geneva. (Yes, Genie and I agreed on most of the “Best of the Best” as voted by our peers.)
Move over, “Corn Palace” in Mitchell, South Dakota. You have competition. “Corn Palace” in New Richland, Minnesota specializes in the use of corn also – I guess you might say the above is rather corny!
As of this writing, there are a few seats left on the Twins bus August 12. Call 383-8655 if interested. The great Twins prognosticator, Bert Blyleven, has predicted the score of the game even before it starts!
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Bob is a retired AAL (Aid Association for Lutherans) agent, currently working on his master’s degree in Volunteering. His wife, Genie, is a retired RN, currently working on her doctor’s degree in Volunteering. They have two children, Deb in North Carolina, and Dan in Vermont. Bob says if you enjoy his column, let him know. If you don’t enjoy it, keep on reading, it can get worse. Words of wisdom: There is always room for God.
There are many equations in physics that can be said in the language of a lay person. For example: “a body in motion tends to stay in motion and a body at rest tends to stay at rest.” From my view, this is most certain, as proven by the following.
In cleaning up the mess from rainwater in the basement at the end of June, I cut the knuckle on a finger on my left hand. No big deal, or so I thought. I cleaned out the cut and put a bandage on it, thinking now it will heal. Wrong. It swelled and became infected.
It was very apparent the Great Retired RN Genie must be brought in on the action. Genie used hydrogen peroxide plus ointment on the wound, covered by a bandage. I did this for a few days but the finger didn’t seem to be getting any better.
I got up early Thursday morning, July 11, and noticed boils under each armpit. That meant a trip to Albert Lea Medical Center Fourth Floor Urgent Care. Dr. Kelley looked at the situation, lanced one of the boils for a biopsy, and prescribed a medication containing sulfur that should clear it up. In addition I was to rest, stay out of sunlight, and not get pregnant. I took the medication, followed the directions and it seemed to be working.
The second day I developed a rash, hot and cold flashes, nausea, no appetite. Once again, off to Urgent Care. The diagnosis was an allergic reaction to sulfur. A new prescription was prescribed which I started talking Saturday, July 13 – with rest, stay out of the sunlight, and don’t get pregnant.
A telephone call from Urgent Care Saturday evening let me know I had a staph infection as per the biopsy results. The medication was changed and I should get and start taking it ASAP Sunday morning. Once again with rest, stay out of the sunlight, and don’t get pregnant while taking the medication.
I am finding the “get rest” to be a very easy order to follow. Thus, I agree a body at rest tends to stay at rest. One problem – Genie has other ideas once I’m through with the medication!
Many thanks for the prayers, well wishes and cards (The staph infection should be cleared up by August 1).
At Central Freeborn Lutheran Church we have Coffee Hour with goodies prior to the 10:30 a.m. Sunday service. One church member is assigned each month to carry this out. Eunice Bakken was in charge this July. She recruited (told) Phillip Morreim to help. Thus their theme for July was “Fill up with Phillip.” Coffee Hour goodies with conversation in church are most certainly a part of God’s world. Amen.
Did you know that Central Freeborn Lutheran Church has their own Angie’s List? It is maintained by the great church secretary, Angie.
Room remains on bus for trip to Twins game
There are still a few seats left on the Twins bus leaving at 4 p.m. from behind Slumberland in Albert Lea on Monday, August 12. Seats are in Section 315, behind home plate. One person per bus will be selected to go on the field to lead in singing the National Anthem. For reservations call Bob or Genie Hanson at 507-373-8655 or Wayne or Bev Indrelie at 507-826-3267. This could be the Twins season with the most losses!
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Bob is a retired AAL (Aid Association for Lutherans) agent, currently working on his master’s degree in Volunteering. His wife, Genie, is a retired RN, currently working on her doctor’s degree in Volunteering. They have two children, Deb in North Carolina, and Dan in Vermont. Bob says if you enjoy his column, let him know. If you don’t enjoy it, keep on reading, it can get worse. Words of wisdom: There is always room for God.
The following observation is an old biker’s (me) definition of An Accident Looking For A Place To Happen. (This was seen on Marie Ave. in Albert Lea.)
Him and her on a motorcycle with him driving the bike. Both no helmet, both tank top shirt and shorts with sandals for shoes. She is not hanging onto him or the bike while texting!
The “Good Morning America” TV show has been pushing to buy “Made in the USA” products. The show went on to ask the viewer to keep this in mind on any non-perishable item when purchasing. A classic example was miniature American flags made in China.
In getting ready to go fishing, I decided to check some of the items I needed. A Minnesota 2010 Dairy Queen cap, some fishhooks and lures, my pocket book calendar, a little flashlight. Yup, all made in China!
As adults we all know what “T.G.I.F.” is in English. In visiting a first-grade classroom I noticed all the shoes had “T.G.I.F.” on each shoe. Curiosity got the best of me, so I asked the teacher to explain. “Toe Goes In First” was the answer!
There are a lot of “-ologist” people in this world. An ichthyologist is a person who is up on the study of fish. A malacologist is a person who is up on the study of mollusks. A malarkologist is a person who is up on the study of nonsense. The writer of this column is a charter member of the local Malarkologist’s Club.
This has been a very busy spring-summer for Genie. She has had laser and cataract eye surgery plus knee surgery. The net result is, she can see me a lot further away, plus it doesn’t take her as long to run me down.
As of this week I have 50,000 miles on my bike. Each ride is 25 miles. Doing the math, that means I’ve ridden the bike 2,000 times. The bike was a Father’s Day present 16 years ago. Doing the math, it is ridden 3,125 miles per year. Thanks, Dan, for the stationary bike.
“Twofer” is when you get two of something at the same time. I’ve shot one shot and got two ducks, also one shot and got two pheasants. I caught two bass at the same time on one lure. The following is a first “twofer” for me.
The gray squirrels are so thick in our yard in Albert Lea that I decided to relocate some of them. You’re right, I caught two of them at the same time in my live trap. They are now living happily in rural Freeborn County.
The Albert Lea Tribune, on a yearly basis, has those who want you to vote for who you think is the best. The best dentist, best restaurant, etc. in Freeborn County. One category they don’t have is the best “bedside manner” doctor. Genie and I both cast our vote for Dr. Kelley in Urgent Care at the Albert Lea Medical Center. Dr. Kelley has a full head of gray hair, is about 60 years old and not very tall. Dr. Kelley, you are great.
By the way, Dr. Kelley is one fantastic Grandma-type lady.
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Bob is a retired AAL (Aid Association for Lutherans) agent, currently working on his master’s degree in Volunteering. His wife, Genie, is a retired RN, currently working on her doctor’s degree in Volunteering. They have two children, Deb in North Carolina, and Dan in Vermont. Bob says if you enjoy his column, let him know. If you don’t enjoy it, keep on reading, it can get worse. Words of wisdom: There is always room for God.
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Genie and I watched the July 3 parade go by while we were sitting on the lawn in front of Zion Lutheran Church in Albert Lea. The NRHEG Marching Band kept a lively in-step march as they went by. Morgan, on drums, did a good job of keeping the band in step.
Our vote for the most humorous parade entrant was the old vehicle with an outhouse on the back. The outhouse door was partially open, with a man using catalogue pages as the finishing touch!
A classic example of “making lemonade out of a lemon” was the hot dog stand in front of Zion Lutheran Church in Albert Lea. The parade and all the parade watchers made it impossible to use the church facilities – thus the refreshment stand in front on the lawn. Did Genie and I make a purchase? You bet your Hormel Hot Dog we did!
How about this for “making lemonade out of a lemon?” I listened to two farmers discussing how it was too late to plant beans or corn. They were going to plant radishes as a cover-the-ground crop. Thy both planned on letting 4-H clubs harvest the radishes and sell them at local farmer’s market with the 4-H club keeping a percentage of the sales. Both farmers planned on letting people dig and keep radishes for a fee. Who said local farmers only have corn and soybean mentality?
We listened to the 4th of July Over-60 Band perform in the band shell by Fountain Lake in Albert Lea. After observing who some of the band members were, we now know why they’re so long-winded in speaking. They’re just performance practicizing!
Following the band was the 45-minute fireworks. I counted about 275 individual shootings with the last 20 being the best and loudest. We noticed a few people left just before the end, due to the noise that would cause irregular heartbeats by their pacemaker.
I took a drive on July 4, 2012 to look for corn about knee high – couldn’t find any. I took a drive on July 4, 2013 to look for corn about knee high – couldn’t find any. (In fact, I had a tough time finding cornfields!) I’ve been told only about 40 percent of the planned planting in this area was actually planted.
Ah, yes, how sweet it is – the season of the local county fair. We plan on attending the Freeborn County Fair in Albert Lea beginning Tuesday, July 30. We try to attend the country music shows in the grandstand. I will be working the Lions Bingo stand on Friday, Aug. 2 and Saturday, Aug. 3 in the evening. Stop by and say “Hi!”
Instead of going out for coffee and talking smart Saturday morning Aug. 3 – get your nourishment at the Old Thompson Boat House at Beaver Lake starting at 9 a.m. It is guaranteed there will be nourishment for both the mind and the body. The conversation will be both fact and fiction with pictures to back it up. Anyone who has ever been to Beaver Lake is most welcome even if Saturday, Aug. 3 is your first time.
Here’s an ad read on TV’s “Good Morning America” newspaper goodies (as appearing in the International Falls, Minn. newspaper): “Native Floridian moving to your town, looking for fully furnaced apartment.”
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Bob is a retired AAL (Aid Association for Lutherans) agent, currently working on his master’s degree in Volunteering. His wife, Genie, is a retired RN, currently working on her doctor’s degree in Volunteering. They have two children, Deb in North Carolina, and Dan in Vermont. Bob says if you enjoy his column, let him know. If you don’t enjoy it, keep on reading, it can get worse. Words of wisdom: There is always room for God.
“Rain, rain, go away, come again another day.”
Those are the proper words I should have used the other morning.
Instead, the vocabulary was that of my days in the U.S. Navy.
It had rained in Albert Lea just about every day since the first part of May. Most days were less than inches. We got 3-plus inches one day and then 4-plus inches two days later. ‘Twas then the swabbie language echoed through our house.
We have a stationary bicycle plus a treadmill in the basement. When the weather is nice, we walk outside. When the weather isn’t nice, Genie walks the treadmill and I ride the exercise bike 25 miles most mornings before breakfast.
The morning after the 4+ inches of rain, I head for the 25-mile ride on the exercise bike. The first step at the end of the stairs is “slosh-slosh” followed by swabbie language. After Genie comes running to see what I’m doing, I settle down. She decides what we must toss and what to try to save. I get out the Wet Vac, towels, fans, and dehumidifier and go to work. Genie goes to the Dollar Tree store in Albert Lea and buys six ‘Moisture Eliminator” containers that take out tough odors and traps excess moisture for a dollar each.
After five days the basement is back in order, I’m riding the exercise bike, and my U.S. Navy language is once again a thing of the past.
During all this wet weather there were two kinds of basements in Albert Lea. Some were dry and some were wet!
You know Clint Eastwood’s most famous saying: “Go ahead and make my day.” If you want to experience this, stop where you see the Floors 4-U van and check out the two questionable workers. (One is from Geneva, the other from Ellendale.) Just ask them if they know what they are doing. I stopped to ask while they were in the new library location in New Richland. Their answer was very questionable, but they did know they would be done before Farm & City Days in this weekend.
How do you know when you’re retired? When it takes all day to do a 10-minute job, and even then you might run out of time.
New Richland Police Chief Scott Eads is one sharp officer. He recommended, and the City Council approved, hiring Adam McKane as a new officer. How do I know the chief is one sharp officer? Because I have watched Adam McKane go from a young boy mowing our lawn and delivering the newspaper to a young man proudly wearing a police uniform.
Conrad Faugstad, AAL (Aid Association for Lutherans) agent, was my mentor and guru when I first started. Conrad taught me patience, and it will always work out. As of June 26, 2013 Conrad is now in that Mansion of Many Rooms with a room just for him. Conrad, thanks for all your help.
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Bob is a retired AAL (Aid Association for Lutherans) agent, currently working on his master’s degree in Volunteering. His wife, Genie, is a retired RN, currently working on her doctor’s degree in Volunteering. They have two children, Deb in North Carolina, and Dan in Vermont. Bob says if you enjoy his column, let him know. If you don’t enjoy it, keep on reading, it can get worse. Words of wisdom: There is always room for God.
I enjoyed a busy fun-filled four days of Vacation Bible School held at Edgewater Park in Albert Lea. It was sponsored by Trinity Lutheran Church and Salem Lutheran Church of Albert Lea among with Central Freeborn Lutheran Church of rural Albert Lea.
Coreen Johnson from Trinity, Terry Olson from Salem, and Genie Hanson from Central Freeborn were the leader-organizers (now you know how I got recruited).
The week started out with pizza and root beer floats Sunday evening at Trinity Lutheran Church in Albert Lea. All the attendees plus parents, grandparents, and any other interested parties, were welcome.
The Okoboji Lutheran Bible School counselors who did a great job of teaching God’s wonderful doings to 3-4-5 year olds and grades 1 through 6 were: Philip Berthelsen, Graham Christopherson, Rachel Gustaftson, Macie Wagner and Adam Weeks.
The teaching ended with an excellent smorgasbord serving everything from KFC to Domino’s Pizza, and green cupcakes on Thursday evening. That was followed by a program put on by the counselors and attendees. ‘Twas then we realized how much the kids enjoyed the counselors’ teaching. Thanks, Okoboji team!
One of my main Vacation Bible School jobs was to take Spencer and Samuel Christensen to their swimming lessons at the pool in Geneva. I hadn’t been to Geneva in about a year, so when the sign coming from the west said the population was 100,000, I panicked. I managed to find the pool, left the boys there, and got lost. Somehow I found my way out of Geneva, going north by the Spiderman painted on the garage. I then realized the rapid population increase must be due to a Spiderman fan club.
On Wednesday of the VBS week I attended the Security Bank in Albert Lea Customer Appreciation Luncheon, with an old-time band as entertainment. In looking around, the only people I saw under age 60 were employees. I then realized older people had the money and they liked waltz music.
Wednesday evening of the same week, I agreed to be Greeter at the WELCA (Women of the Lutheran Church of America) Guest Night Salad Lunch at Central Freeborn Lutheran Church. The celebration was in honor of WELCA’s 25 years, with music and message from the Three CD’s (three lady choir directors form Southern Minnesota). The 92 ladies arrived in all white, all tan, all black, all green, with the prettiest being all blue. From my standpoint, the blue was love at first sight. The only problem was, I knew Genie would object. Now you know why we didn’t have a VW Love Bug!
In my spare time this week, I managed to give Toni a tour of our Albert Lea house. She had many questions, of which I managed to answer most. Toni is a great lady to be on the good side of. Toni is a very capable property appraiser!
Now you know why a retired person doesn’t have much time to be retired. I will admit to being tired at the end of weeks like the above.
Coreen Johnson, VIP at Trinity Lutheran Church in Albert Lea, you earned it, you deserve it, you enjoy it. “Happy Retirement.”
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Bob is a retired AAL (Aid Association for Lutherans) agent, currently working on his master’s degree in Volunteering. His wife, Genie, is a retired RN, currently working on her doctor’s degree in Volunteering. They have two children, Deb in North Carolina, and Dan in Vermont. Bob says if you enjoy his column, let him know. If you don’t enjoy it, keep on reading, it can get worse. Words of wisdom: There is always room for God.
Who was born in Waseca County on June 27, 1918? Gene Dodge, that’s who.
Who was one of the many great people to graduate from New Richland High School? Gene Dodge, that’s who.
Who was proud to serve his country in the U.S. Army? Gene Dodge, that’s who.
Who married Sylvia Tukua on June 5, 1943 in Santa Ana, California? Gene Dodge, that’s who.
Who, with wife Sylvia and family, came back to New Richland after being honorably discharged from the U.S. Army? Gene Dodge, that’s who.
Who, with wife Sylvia’s permission, shuffled the sleeping arrangements so that Robert Tollefson, Carol Tollefson, and Robert Hanson could stay at their house one spring in the early 50’s when the New Richland High School bus couldn’t get through the frost-boiled muddy roads? Gene Dodge, that’s who.
Who helped (in person, on the phone, and via the mail) Robert Hanson (me) get into Naval Intelligence (spying on Russia)? Gene Dodge, that’s who.
Who worked at, and later became owner of, the Our Own Hardware store in New Richland, receiving many awards along the way? Gene Dodge, that’s who.
Who was proud to serve New Richland in any way he could? Gene Dodge, that’s who.
Who was a faithful servant to God, both in his church and outside his church? Gene Dodge, that’s who.
Who was the person whose life on Earth revolved around God, family, and community? Gene Dodge, that’s who.
Who was the person who always spoke to me and gave me his great infectious chuckle when he saw me volunteering at the Albert Lea Medical Center? Gene Dodge, that’s who.
Who, in a wheelchair this May, with wife and daughter, stopped while I was on my hands and knees at the Gift Shop in the Albert Lea Medical Center, and said “Goodbye?” Gene Dodge, that’s who.
Who was honored to have his great-grandchildren sing “Jesus Loves Me” at his funeral service? Gene Dodge, that’s who.
Who is now dwelling in a place prepared for him? Gene Dodge, that’s who.
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Bob is a retired AAL (Aid Association for Lutherans) agent, currently working on his master’s degree in Volunteering. His wife, Genie, is a retired RN, currently working on her doctor’s degree in Volunteering. They have two children, Deb in North Carolina, and Dan in Vermont. Bob says if you enjoy his column, let him know. If you don’t enjoy it, keep on reading, it can get worse. Words of wisdom: There is always room for God.